EHS Pillars - Fall 2015

Her long-range emphasis for the program is positive change.
"The great thing is that not only are more students working out,
but their levels of fitness are improving," she explains. She
points to a stat sheet showing the times logged for planks,
a core-targeting exercise where students hold their bodies
parallel to the floor using forearms and toes. Last year, the
record for holding a plank was six minutes. This year, the time
has doubled to 12, and Isabelle Haugh and Maggie Jones
lead the pack.
A secondary benefit of the program is injury prevention,
especially since girls are prone to ACL injuries. Waggett
introduces students to combinations of balance, strength,
plyometrics, and flexibility to build up lower extremities and
reduce injury. She guides athletes through rope slams, BOSU
balls, and cues them on proper form for squats and lunges.
Participants sweat through traditional lifts as well.
Waggett also consults on nutrition, suggesting that the
students focus on whole foods, protein, and simple snacks
such as apples and organic peanut butter. "And just as
nutrition is key to physical health, so is sleep. As we push our
muscles to new levels, we need to give them time to recover,"
she advises.
The program grows by word of mouth, says Waggett, and a
steady stream of students takes advantage of the opportunity
to train their bodies and minds. "There are lots of motivated
girls at EHS," Waggett says. "I want them to work hard, stay
safe, and let go of stress. There will be good and bad days
in sports, academics, and relationships. The goal is for these
girls to always be proud of who they are and where they are."
—Claire C. Fletcher, photos by Ashleigh Teel